Dan Rather: ‘I’d Pay a Ransom’ To Free Kidnapped Journalists

RATHER: “Well, it’s one thing for governments, such as ours and the British government, to take a stand and say, 'We don’t pay ransom.' By making that right out front, the governments take the view it would discourage the taking of, the kidnapping of journalists. But, as was stated before to you, Brian, when it’s your son or daughter, when it is someone in your organizations you have worked with, it’s a whole different thing. And I can’t blame anyone for trying to ransom a journalist out. And I would say this: if some member of our Dan Rather Reports team was kidnapped, I would be looking to negotiate for ransom. And you can criticize that if you want, damn me if you want, but the loyalty to our people who work with us and take these great chances engenders loyalty back.”